Embassies Call for Release of Political Detainees in Juba

(JUBA) – The embassies of Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States have expressed grave concern over the rising violence in various parts of South Sudan.

In a joint statement issued in Juba, the diplomatic missions criticised ongoing violations of the ceasefire and the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

The embassies described the growing insecurity as a serious threat to the country’s hopes for peace and development, warning that continued violence undermines the progress made since the signing of the peace deal.

The statement strongly condemned repeated attacks on civilians, humanitarian workers and medical facilities, many of which are protected under international humanitarian law. Such attacks, the embassies noted, are worsening the humanitarian crisis and placing already vulnerable communities at further risk.

The diplomats also raised serious concerns over the increasing incidents of inter-communal violence in several states, along with reports of restrictions on humanitarian access. These developments, they said, are further obstructing efforts to deliver aid and support to affected populations.

The embassies called on South Sudanese leaders to act urgently to bring an end to the violence. They stressed the importance of cooperation among all political actors to achieve a peaceful and stable future for the country.

A key part of the statement was a renewed call for the immediate release of all political detainees, including the First Vice President. The diplomats argued that political imprisonment undermines meaningful dialogue, which they described as the only viable path to lasting peace.

While the embassies did not mention specific locations affected by the recent violence, humanitarian organisations have reported rising tensions and displacement in areas such as Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity states. Armed clashes and ethnic conflicts have disrupted aid delivery and forced thousands to flee their homes.

The embassies concluded their statement by urging South Sudan’s leaders to prioritise peace, national unity, and inclusive governance. They affirmed that without renewed political will and respect for human rights, the country’s fragile gains risk being reversed.